HMT response to credit union common bond reform

HM Treasury has published its response to the 2024 call for evidence on reforming the credit union common bond framework. The review sought to assess whether parts of the common bond requirement should be updated to support sustainable growth and ensure the framework remains fit for purpose. Following feedback, HMT confirms it will legislate, when Parliamentary time allows, to:

• Increase the potential membership cap on the locality bond from 3 million to 10million.
• Permit students to join locality-based credit unions, in addition to those who reside or work in the geographical area.
• Allow credit unions to admit members' relatives into a credit union regardless of whether they live in the same household as the qualifying member, as well as individuals who live in the same household as the qualifying member. This is intended to reflect modern family dynamics and broaden the membership base.
• Allow credit unions to retain members of occupation and employer bonds as fully qualifying members upon retirement, including allowing retirees to join a credit union after retirement has begun. This will also apply to locality bonds where members are eligible based on employment within the locality.

Feedback on wider issues relating to the common bond will be considered at a later date.

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